Graphite and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are established solid lubricant additives. Graphene is a related carbon material — a single layer of the same honeycomb carbon that makes up graphite — but it is not the same product, and it should not be assumed to outperform graphite or MoS2 in every oil or grease. Graphene Integrations supplies a pre-mixed graphene lubricant additive. In independent testing at Univar's Houston lab, it gave up to 42% smaller four-ball wear-scar diameter and 26% higher weld load versus the untreated lubricant, not versus a graphite or MoS2 benchmark.
How the materials differ
Graphene and graphite are both carbon. Graphite is many carbon layers stacked together; graphene is one of those layers, one atom thick. That difference changes how the material behaves and how it has to be handled. MoS2 is a different chemistry, a molybdenum-sulfur compound long used as a solid lubricant. This page is about choosing a lubricant additive, not about the general graphene-versus-graphite materials question, which is covered in that article.
GI does not sell graphene as dry powder or flake. The graphene lubricant additive is graphene integrated into a liquid carrier (including oleic acid / monomer systems used in our lubricant products) so a formulator can add it to an oil or grease. Typical dosing for GI graphene additives is 1% to 7% by weight, depending on the job.
What has been tested — and what has not
Independent testing at Univar's Houston lab compared the graphene lubricant additive with the untreated lubricant. The reported results were up to 42% smaller four-ball wear-scar diameter and 26% higher weld load. We do not claim a fuel-economy benefit. We have not published a head-to-head study of this additive against a graphite package or an MoS2 package in the same oil. A formulator who needs that comparison should run it in their own base oil, additive system and test protocol. See what the wear and weld-load tests mean and the lubricant test results press release.
| Point | Graphite (typical solid lubricant) | MoS2 (typical solid lubricant) | GI graphene lubricant additive |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Many stacked layers of carbon. | Molybdenum disulfide, a conventional solid lubricant. | Graphene (a single-layer carbon) pre-mixed in a liquid carrier, never sold as powder. |
| How GI supplies it | Not a GI product. | Not a GI product. | Ready-to-add lubricant additive for formulators. Dosing typically 1% to 7% by weight. |
| Published GI test basis | Not tested head-to-head by GI in the Univar Houston study. | Not tested head-to-head by GI in the Univar Houston study. | Versus the untreated lubricant, at Univar's Houston lab: up to 42% smaller four-ball wear-scar diameter and 26% higher weld load. |
| What we do not claim | — | — | No published comparison to graphite or MoS2; no fuel-savings claim. Results depend on the formulation. |
How to decide
If you already have a graphite or MoS2 system that meets the specification, there may be no reason to change it without a trial. If you are evaluating graphene as an additional or alternative anti-wear / extreme-pressure approach, treat the Univar Houston results as evidence in the untreated-oil comparison that was run, then test in your own formulation. The additive is intended for formulators, not as a retail motor-oil bottle on a store shelf. Related application notes include motor oil, gear oil, hydraulic fluid and grease.
For a broader supplier checklist, see how to choose a graphene supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Did you test graphene against graphite or MoS2?
No. The published independent tests at Univar's Houston lab compared the graphene lubricant additive with the untreated lubricant. A graphite or MoS2 comparison would have to be run in your formulation.
What results can you quote?
Up to 42% smaller four-ball wear-scar diameter and 26% higher weld load versus the untreated lubricant, in independent testing at Univar's Houston lab. We do not claim fuel savings.
Is this a consumer engine-oil additive?
No. It is a graphene lubricant additive for formulators, supplied pre-mixed in a carrier. Pricing and samples are by quote.
What dose should I start with?
GI graphene additives are typically used at 1% to 7% by weight, depending on the job. A trial should bracket more than one dose. We can suggest a starting point when you share the base oil and the property you want to improve.
Request a quote or a test sample
If you want to compare this graphene lubricant additive in your oil or grease, including alongside an existing graphite or MoS2 system, tell us the base lubricant and the tests you run. Request a quote or samples · Product page · Contact us · 704-659-3682 · sales@grapheneintegrations.com